Monday, November 09, 2009

Difalco 30 band for the SCX Nat's Champion


A huge thanks to Jim Difalco for donating a 30 band controller for a prize for the SCX National Champion! The controller will be given to the winner of the race which is this coming Saturday at Great Traditions in Philly.

JP Slot products

JP Slot has gotten the attention of slotters on both sides of the Atlantic. Mostly notable in the recent announcements of their products have been the motor. The JP Slot MM18120 Motor is a long can motor rated at 20,000 rpm at 14.8 volts. With this power range it's right in the sweet spot for not only the average homeset racer but the hardcore racer as well. I've put mine in the Ninco Porsche that I race at my club.

Right off the top when I got the motor installed and started doing some laps you notice that it's got plenty of power and great brakes. It's a direct replacement for a long can motor and with screw holes at the gear end of the motor it's ready to tighten down with 2mm hex screws (provided the chassis you're using allows that in the motor pod).

In the Super Extreme Racing kit (the green wire kit) includes three different types of braid in .05,.07,.10 thicknesses. Also included are two lengths of the 1.5mm diameter wire and a pair of eyelets. I installed the thinnest braid, wires and eyelets and the wires are very supple and easy to work with.


The thin braid (.05) is easy to fluff and east to set. You can see how low the nose of the car sits to my wood track.


The parts are all low oxygen and said to be more conductive. I don't have lap times to back up a claim that they might be faster than stock parts but for me the highlight is not only another niche slot company (the smaller companies tend to push the larger one's forward and that's a VERY good thing IMO), but clearly the COST of the motor is fantastic! The motor is only about 12.00!!!! And the wires, braid and guide eyelets are all very well priced and worth checking out for sure! Here in the US, BRS Hobbies has them in stock now! And the wires, braid and eyelets too.

The wire (both 1.5mm and 1 mm diameter) comes in 1meter lengths, certain a good investment at about $5.00 or so.

Motors are something that everyone is looking for, either they want a motor with a certain power level or low cost... this motor in my opinion is certainly just about perfect for most slotters and the cost is perfect as well. I would highly recommend that you check out JPSlot's products.

The products (aside from the kit I used and the motor) can be seen here (click on photo for larger photo).


More info from the JP Slot site:

Motor Specifications: Long can
Closed can
Granted without magnetism (0.1 to 0.3 uhms)
Revolutions: 20,000 rpm at 14.8 V
Torque: 240 gr / cm

BTP005E/32
Super Trencillas Carries far Racing (Soft)
Manufactured in 0.05 mm wire, these braids are specially designed for short tracks and races. Due to their great flexibility and braiding, their optimum working conditions are on very clean tracks.
NOTE: The ideal braid for wooden tracks with iron braids. They enable total penetration of the guide in the lane, allowing the car nose to stay low. Extremely soft but also incredibly hard-wearing, they can be used for fairly short endurance races where not much dirt is accumulated on the track.


BTP007E/32
Super Trencillas Carries far Racing (Medium Hard)
Manufactured in 0.07 mm wire, medium hard braids are suitable for more ordinary use both on the track and for asphalt rally, and when the cleanliness conditions are not so strict. They are soft but also very hard-wearing, and can be used for endurance races and races requiring a good electrical response.
NOTE: The ideal braid for all types of tracks with low-profile cars.

BTP010E/32
Super Trencillas Carries far Wide Double Racing (Maximum Hardness)
Manufactured in 0.10 mm wire, these braids are designed for dirt rally tracks and tracks requiring extreme hardness and durability conditions. For endurance, speed and rally races using flour or sawdust; in the latter case they act as genuine “brushes” for the lanes, cleaning them for the following round.
NOTE: The ideal braid for rally or dirt rally tracks and 4x4 cars and lorries.

BTP015E/24
Braid for 1/24 Plafit cars
Braid for 1/24 Plafit cars, with great wear resistance and hardness and designed by the Denia Club Marina Alta people. Special braid for endurance racing.


Oxygen-free copper braid for wooden tracks, providing greater speed for cars of all scales and preventing magnetism, giving priority to the driver’s skill.

Contact terminals manufactured in copper instead of the traditional brass. They provide excellent contact, favouring electrical conduction. The combination of our braid, cable and terminal products provides a considerable improvement in electrical performance for top-level competition and for home users who are looking for excellent features.

Friday, November 06, 2009

Slot Racing at Foley's in NYC!


Beer specials and slots? YUP! This one's for the adults out there in the NYC area. Foley's NY Pub & Restaurant will be having a series of slot races, the first race will be November 10th from 6pm-9pm with the SCX Digital system. This sounds like fun and maybe we can get some slotters out there to go and maybe take some pix of the folks enjoying the races!

Racing will continue in January on each of the Sunday's with "qualifiers" with a Championship race to be held in February with a date TBA. Each night prizes will be awarded for the qualifiers. Prizes for the final Championship race will be an SCX Digital Set, Analog set and, of course, cars, cars, cars for prizes too!

New (real) Porsche Boxster

Well it's prettier than it's been in past years now, the official Porsche video of the new Boxster:

Thursday, November 05, 2009

Last one out turn off the lights....


With so many of the high profile teams leaving F1 it makes you wonder how long it will be before it's only Ferrari and McLaren out there racing against each other...

A statement by Toyota about F1:

“Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC) announces it plans to withdraw from the FIA Formula One World Championship at the end of the 2009 season,” said a statement released by the Japanese car manufacturer.

“TMC, which had viewed its participation in F1 as contributing to the prosperity of automotive culture, remained dedicated to competing at the pinnacle of motor sports, even in the face of the abrupt economic changes that started last year.

“However, when considering TMC’s motor-sports activities next year and beyond from a comprehensive midterm viewpoint reflecting the current severe economic realities, TMC decided to withdraw from F1."

Bridgestone too is leaving as tire supplier.

From the Bridgestone motorsport website:
Bridgestone Corporation today announced that it will not enter into a new tyre supply contract with the FIA Formula One World Championship (F1) series; the current contract is set to expire at the end of the 2010 season.

In addressing the impact of the continuing evolution of the business environment on its decision, the company focused on the need to redirect its resources towards the further intensive development of those innovative technologies and strategic products which support the company’s goals and further enhance the company’s reputation as a technology leader.

Over the years, the company has benefited directly from its involvement in Formula One racing. The lessons learned through Bridgestone’s successful participation have translated into innovations that can be applied to the design and manufacture of high performance tyres. In addition, its collaboration with F1 has contributed to increased brand awareness and the recognition of Bridgestone as a leader in the global tyre industry.

Having achieved these goals, Bridgestone is now poised to take its technological and brand building efforts to the next level. Bridgestone is committed to supporting F1 and the series’ teams through the completion of the 2010 season. The company also expressed its sincere appreciation and gratitude to the management of Formula One, the F1 teams and support staff, and the F1 fans around the world for their enthusiasm and support for Bridgestone over the last 13 years."

And with rumors swirling about whether Renault will return they made this annoucement recently...

"The Renault F1 Team is delighted to announce the signing of a three-year partnership with TW Steel, the Dutch watchmaker, which will become the official timing partner of the team."

At least for the time being Renault seems to still be in the F1 business.

SCX Nat's Championship-Slot Box!


Dennis Faz of Whitey's Slot Car Boxes has come up with a gem for the SCX National Champion for 2009! A hand made special edition slot box has been made that will be awarded to the Champion this year!

I'd like to thank Dennis for the donation of this very special box. Everyone please visit Whitey's website and check out the selection of boxes they have for sale. If you don't have a box you should get one! They rock!

Another announcement soon about another prize for the Champion this year.

Wednesday, November 04, 2009

Ninco World Cup Lightning Ford GT


From the Ninco World Cup blog:

"The car which drivers will race with the 2009 final is the Ford GT (50532/50549) and to allow everybody to enjoy a car fully equiped to race, NINCO will release this model featuring ProRace components and moulded cockpit. Coming soon!"

Monday, November 02, 2009

New Sloting Plus "Universal" wheels


We present you our new Universal wheels Aluminium-Magnesium 1,1 g average weight ( 0,95 to 1,2 g ) !
6 measures : 15,9 x 8,5 - 15,9 x 10 - 16,5 x 10 - 16,9 x 8,5 - 16,9 x 10 - 17,2 x 9 for satisfy many needs.
Screws M2.5 as usual with Sloting Plus wheels.


Also joined our new front tyre zero grip for complete our tyres range :
Dimensions 16,5 x 8,5 mm for wheels 15 mm and more..


Kind regards
Jacques
Sloting Plus

Sunday, November 01, 2009

Mosler for President?

NSR and Ninco slots may take on a new meaning in 2012! Mosler for President! Yes THAT "Mosler"!

Friday, October 30, 2009

Doran Racing shop tour


I was thrilled to be able to visit Doran Racing on a recent trip to Cincy (on my way back from Chicago from IHobby). Kevin Doran gave me a tour and we talked (with Kevin Roberson owner of Hobbytown's in Cincy and former racer). And I found out that Mr. Doran is a slot racer as well! Very cool!

DK

Thursday, October 29, 2009

SCX Gurney Cuda


A prototype, still with some tweaking to logo placement and color. More pix at this link.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

New Race Management system from Slotfire



From Slotfire:

"We complete our range for race management and laptiming of analog tracks.

it´s made of Software and Hardware. A short overview:
1. „Slottronic >race”: Software for up to eight drivers. Compatible with Windows and Mac (up OS 10.5).
Languages are: English, Spain, Arabic and German.
2. „Slottronic Racebox”: Laptimer-Hardware, allows adjustment of power for each lane via Software
3. „Slottronic Racebox mini”: without power adjustment
4. „Slottronic Racebox mini I”: The Hardware is here build in in the track

in combination with „Slottronic >race” and „Slottronic Racebox” and
5. „Slottronic Center”a software for commercial race centers, is it possible to manage
a complete race center."

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Ninco at Ihobby

New Lamborghini Murcielago and Corvette CHP Police car (with working takedown lights).





New Ninco "Four Lane" set.


New Xlot Porsche Jager and Ferrari F430.




Xlot Set Up Board.

Adjustable N-Power transformer.

Thursday, October 22, 2009

SCX AAR Cuda to arrive in January

See more pix of the Cuda at this link. The car will be released in January in both digital and analog.

Monday, October 19, 2009

New Racer 412P





*412P - Scuderia Filipinetti - Targa Florio '67 - Muller/Guichet
This model will be produced as Limited numbered edition in 203 pcs.*

Friday, October 16, 2009

SCX in Shanghai


The Spanish firm Tecnitoys/SCX® opened the first shop of its own in the world yesterday, Thursday 15th October, in the Times Square shopping centre in the city of Shanghai, China. With this the Spanish brand has finally arrived on the Chinese market, where it will be expanding gradually with shops of its own or franchises, first in Shanghai, to be followed by Beijing and Hong Kong.

The aim of all this is to situate its product at the premium end of the consumer market. With 70 square metres (over 750 square feet) of floor space, the shop will stock all the SCX® product lines, with demonstration tables inside the shop and a larger permanent track outside. With this new business model involving shops of its own, Tecnitoys/SCX® is making clear its interest in the Chinese market, which has an estimated potential of $1 million even at this early stage.

The SCX® shop is the first SCX® outlet in the world, part of a strategy of premium positioning which has already been successfully piloted in the United States, where the product is exclusive to FAO-SCHWARTZ, the world's most legendary toy shop, and to TARGET super stores.

Tecnitoys/SCX® has a range of products to suit all ages and consumer profiles, including SCX® Compact for children from age 4 upwards; SCX® Original for the over-6's; SCX® The Digital System, the digital version for the over-8's; and SCX® Pro for adults and competition.
Tecnitoys/SCX®, a Spanish firm specialising in the toy sector, operates on the international market for scale model slot racing cars, tracks and accessories, particularly in the countries where this kind of toy is most popular such as Germany, Mexico, Australia and the United States.

Shanghai Times Square is one of the newest shopping centres in this Chinese city. Housed in a vast building, it takes up seven storeys with 40,000 square metres (over 430,000 square feet) of floor space, filled with over 100 top-brand shops from all over the world, together with restaurants and leisure facilities.

Slot It at Slotlandia